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Navigating Governance Gaps Amid Local Government Elections and Staffing Changes

October 16, 2024

The recent local council elections in NSW have triggered leadership transitions and will result in temporary vacancies in key leadership roles for many councils. While this is a normal part of post-election change, it can delay decision-making, disrupt the reassessment of crucial frameworks and policies, and raise serious governance challenges.

Due to geographical challenges, this issue is compounded for councils in regional NSW who find it harder to attract and retain skilled and experienced staff. Working with councils across regional NSW over the last 10 years, Centium knows the unique pressures they face - tighter budgets, aging infrastructure, and rising community expectations. All add complexity to managing council transitions.

These challenges require a strategic approach to governance, which temporary role fulfilments and secondments can deliver, helping to ensure continuity, community confidence, compliance and an ability to align with new legislative requirements during periods of change.

Effective governance is not just about having policies on paper; it’s about embedding those frameworks into your organisation’s day-to-day operations. A robust governance framework ensures that your council remains operational and compliant, even during this period of change. It enables smooth transitions, continuity in service delivery, and compliance with evolving legislative requirements and community confidence.

Centium offers Governance as a Service, providing tailored governance solutions to help councils manage disruptions effectively. We specialise in filling gaps caused by personnel changes or structural issues, offering both strategic and operational support to ensure your governance practices are robust, efficient, and aligned with your long-term goals.

With our expert team, we guide you through designing governance structures, drafting up-to-date user-friendly policies, and filling gaps in your workforce through short-term, part-time, or flexible placements. This collaborative approach ensures you have confidence in your governance practices and can focus on your core objectives.

Proactive governance helps minimise rework, avoid compliance breaches, and reduce remediation costs. Centium’s Governance as a Service is designed to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you maintain operational efficiency even in times of staff shortages or structural change. Let Centium help you develop a governance solution that instills confidence and peace of mind.

Our team includes former Ombudsmen, senior executives from local, state, and federal governments, as well as former CEOs, COOs, CFOs, and Company Secretaries. With this level of experience, Centium delivers governance services that are tailored to your specific operational needs, ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of your governance structures.

Centium has assisted organisations develop and review policies and procedures, provided secretariat services, and conducted governance reviews to assist organisations in refining their operating models. We ensure that your governance structures are not only implemented but embedded into your organization’s operations, providing long-term stability and success.

Explore our Governance services or get in touch with lisa.braid@centium.com.au for an obligation-free conversation.

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